Category Buyer
Caterpillar
Career Area:
ProcurementJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Provides supply network solutions expertise, using Quality, Cost, Logistics, Development, and Management (QCLDM) to deliver maximum value.
What You Will Do:
- Developing, managing and executing the category strategy managing policies, agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
- Recognizing the potential for cost decreases, inventory reductions and quality improvement, as well as responsibility for soundness of business proposals and risk assessment.
- Acting as the liaison between the organization and the supplier to communicate information explicitly, while considering production demands and suppliers' conditions.
- Documenting the suppliers' performance on time sensitivity and production; maintains a strong relationship with suppliers.
- Own supplier relationship and performance management for Caterpillar’s US Unformed Steel category.
- Collect and analyze market intelligence and deliver clear and timely communications, forecasts, and activities to appropriate business partners throughout the enterprise.
- Management of unique procurement / sales process that apply to unformed steel portfolio.
Degree Requirement
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, Finance or Accounting
What skills you will have:
Enterprise Systems & Analytical Tools
Proficiency: Working Knowledge
- Familiar with enterprise platforms such as Salesforce, SAP, and Lognet.
- Strong skills in Excel and PowerPoint for reporting and presentations.
Data Analytics
Proficiency: Extensive Experience
- Applies techniques for inspecting, cleansing, transforming, and modeling data.
- Draws logical conclusions and supports decision-making through data insights.
- Key Capabilities:
- Advises stakeholders on the relationship between financial, performance, and operational data.
- Evaluates data quality and analysis methods for business performance.
- Interprets risks, threats, and opportunities in predictive modeling.
Effective Communication
Proficiency: Extensive Experience
- Understands and applies effective communication strategies across all levels.
- Key Capabilities:
- Tailors documents and presentations to the audience.
- Balances empathy and assertiveness in communication.
- Communicates effectively in all directions—upward, downward, and outward.
- Uses persuasive techniques to gain alignment.
Interpersonal Relationships
Proficiency: Working Knowledge
- Collaborates constructively with diverse individuals and groups.
- Key Capabilities:
- Explains the impact of interpersonal interactions.
- Understands and respects alternative viewpoints.
- Adapts communication style to different people and situations.
Negotiation
Proficiency: Extensive Experience
- Skilled in internal and external negotiations.
- Key Capabilities:
- Completes significant negotiations successfully.
- Assesses risks of negotiation breakdowns from all perspectives.
- Balances protecting own position with achieving win-win outcomes.
- Identifies and evaluates differences in negotiation positions.
Contracts Management & Administration
Proficiency: Working Knowledge
- Manages and administers contracts in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Key Capabilities:
- Administers department-level contracts.
- Follows organizational protocols for contract management.
- Explains required pre-signature contract information.
- Assists in maintaining vendor and contract documentation.
Purchasing Tasks & Activities
Proficiency: Working Knowledge
- Executes procurement processes in compliance with regulations.
- Key Capabilities:
- Documents purchasing activities (e.g., orders, bids).
- Utilizes procurement systems and tools.
- Ensures adherence to procurement policies and contract terms.
Supplier Relationship Management
Proficiency: Extensive Experience
- Builds and maintains strong supplier partnerships.
- Key Capabilities:
- Advises on supplier relationship strategies.
- Resolves conflicts and influences outcomes with suppliers.
- Conducts regular reviews of supplier performance and engagement.
Strategic Sourcing
Proficiency: Working Knowledge
- Participates in continuous improvement of sourcing processes.
- Key Capabilities:
- Engages in data analysis, market research, and budget reviews.
- Identifies opportunities to enhance sourcing strategies.
- Conducts sourcing activities within defined parameters.
- Adheres to standards and policies for strategic sourcing.
Top Candidates Will Have:
• Relevant and substantial steel industry experience in procurement or sales functions.
• Understanding of global commodity markets and market forces.
• Understanding of steel grade specifications and requirements to support form, fit and function.
• Substantial understanding of downstream utilization of steel components, relevant manufacturing processes, and engineering/metallurgical principles.
Additional Information:
- The location for this position is Mossville, IL
- Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Any relocation costs incurred would be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
- Sponsorship is not available for this position.
- This position will require less than 15% travel.
Summary Pay Range:
$95,640.00 - $143,520.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
October 9, 2025 - October 17, 2025Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.